RESIDENTS submitting self-assessment tax forms at the end of the month could be in for a nasty surprise as union workers consider strike action

RESIDENTS submitting self-assessment tax forms at the end of the month could be in for a nasty surprise as union workers consider strike action.Ballot papers have been sent to 280,000 civil service workers belonging to the Public and Civil Service Union (PCSU) encouraging industrial action following a dispute with the Government over pay and job cuts. The PCSU, which represents just over half the Government's civil service workforce of about 500,000, will vote on January 23 to decide whether tax workers will strike on January 31, the same day self-assessment tax forms are due. If a strike does go ahead court and benefit services could also be affected. Those waiting for passports and visitors to job centres could also suffer.Union spokesman Alex Flynn said: "Members have been asked if they favour industrial action over job cuts, pay and privatisation."Places we all take for granted will be shut and others will operate a reduced service."My advice to those people wanting to go on holiday is to send off their passports now if they need replacing or renewing.